Technical Abstract:
Nationally representative one-day dietary data from What We Eat In America, NHANES 2001-2004 were analyzed for differences in estimated nutrient intakes and eating patterns on weekends and weekdays. The USDA Automated Multiple Pass Method was used to collect the 24-hour recall from adults, aged 20 years and older, men (n=4385) and non-pregnant/lactating women (n=4240). Overall, energy intake increased on weekend days (Fri-Sun) compared to weekdays (Mon-Thurs) for males (p<0.001) and females (p<0.01). Mean energy intake (±SEM) for males was 2464±38 kcal/d on weekdays and 2747±29 kcal/d on weekend days. Energy intake for females was 1773±22 kcal/d and 1856±17 kcal/d for weekdays and weekend days, respectively. Although total fat intake increased on weekend days, the proportion of energy from fat was similar on weekdays and weekend days. The proportion of energy from alcohol increased, whereas the proportion of energy from carbohydrate decreased on weekend days. These changes were significant (p<0.01) for both genders. Differences were also observed for nutrient intakes by eating occasion. In general, American adults are eating more kilocalories on weekend days compared to weekdays; these observations highlight the need for obesity prevention strategies to include a focus on weekend eating behaviors. The results of this study also illustrate the importance of considering weekend/weekday effects in dietary assessment.